Dirt removal in
Phoenix, Arizona.
Compare 34 roll-off dumpster companies for dirt removal in Phoenix. At 2,200 lbs per cubic yard, dirt is one of the heaviest materials you can load — the right setup and disposal method can save you hundreds.
Dirt weighs 2,200 lbs per cubic yard — 10-yard max recommended
A full 10-yard dumpster of dirt weighs 11 tons — already exceeding most standard weight limits. Wet soil can weigh 50% more (3,300+ lbs/yd). Never order a 20 or 30 yard for dirt-only loads — you'll hit the weight cap with the bin barely 25–30% full and still pay full price. A 10-yard with an upgraded weight limit is the right call.
Dirt weight by volume
| Cubic Yards | Total Weight (lbs) | Total Weight (tons) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 yd³ | 2,200 lbs | 1.1 tons |
| 2 yd³ | 4,400 lbs | 2.2 tons |
| 3 yd³ | 6,600 lbs | 3.3 tons |
| 5 yd³ | 11,000 lbs | 5.5 tons |
| 8 yd³ | 17,600 lbs | 8.8 tons |
| 10 yd³ | 22,000 lbs | 11.0 tons |
Based on dry dirt at 2,200 lbs/yd³. Wet or clay-heavy soil can weigh 2,800–3,300 lbs/yd³.
Clean fill vs contaminated dirt
Clean fill dirt
Often FREE to dispose— construction sites, landscapers, and developers actively seek clean fill dirt for grading, backfill, and site preparation.
What qualifies: Natural soil with no debris, no organic matter (roots, grass), no chemicals, no trash, and no construction materials mixed in.
Where to find takers:Craigslist “free” section, Facebook Marketplace, local contractor boards, and fill-wanted sites specific to the Phoenix area.
Contaminated dirt
$50–$80 per ton at landfill— dirt with any contamination must go to a licensed disposal facility. No one will accept it for free.
What makes dirt “contaminated”: Oil or fuel spills, paint, chemicals, mixed construction debris, asbestos-containing materials, or any soil from brownfield/industrial sites.
Testing: If you suspect contamination (old gas station, industrial site, painted structures), get a soil test before disposal. Haulers can refuse contaminated loads.
Free dirt disposal options in Phoenix
Post on Craigslist / Facebook
List "free clean fill dirt" with your Phoenix location. Contractors and homeowners doing grading work will often pick it up for free — some will even bring their own truck.
Contact active construction sites
New construction and subdivision projects near Phoenix often need fill dirt for grading. Call the site superintendent and ask if they're accepting clean fill.
Check with landscaping companies
Landscapers building retaining walls, raised beds, or doing grading work frequently need fill dirt. A few calls can save you $500+ in disposal fees.
Municipal fill sites
Some Phoenix area municipalities operate clean fill disposal sites at no charge for residents. Check with your local public works department.
Important:Free disposal only works for genuinely clean fill. If your dirt has any debris, roots, or contamination, you'll need a dumpster and standard landfill disposal.
Recommended dumpster size for dirt in Phoenix
A 10-yard is the practical maximum for dirt. At 2,200 lbs/yd³, a full 10-yard load hits 11 tons — at or above most hauler weight limits. Ask your hauler about upgraded weight limits (some offer 12–15 ton options for heavy material at $50–$100 extra). For large excavation projects, plan on multiple pulls.
Common dirt removal projects
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19305 N 28th St STE #611, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
17602 N 25th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85023, USA
2560 S 16th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
14001 N 7th St E109, Phoenix, AZ 85022, USA
3850 E Superior Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
11120 N Tatum Blvd STE 100, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA
21407 N 24th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85027, USA
831 S 59th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA
26840 N Black Cyn Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85083, USA
1 N 1st St Suite 6135, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
2375 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85086, USA
3420 E Shea Blvd #200, Phoenix, AZ 85028, USA
112 N Central Ave Ste 114, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
25420 N 65th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85083, USA
200 E Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
11398 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85020
1223 S 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
2002 N 25th Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA
830 E Sherman St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
3910 W Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85019, USA
3050 E Madison St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
4010 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017
1217 S 10th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
5034 S 26th Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85041, USA
1580 E Elwood St, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
1122 E Gibson Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
602 E Lincoln St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
714 E McKinley St, Phoenix, AZ 85006
3620 E Kent Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85044
1301 W Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
18801 N 36th St, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
2340 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
420 W McNeil St, Phoenix, AZ 85041
Dirt removal FAQ
What size dumpster do I need for dirt removal in Phoenix?
A 10-yard dumpster is the maximum recommended size for dirt removal in Phoenix. Dirt weighs 2,200 lbs per cubic yard, so a full 10-yard dumpster of dirt weighs 11 tons — already at or above most weight limits. Larger dumpsters (20 or 30 yard) will hit the weight cap with only a few yards of dirt inside.
Can I dispose of dirt for free in Phoenix?
Yes, if it's clean fill (no contaminants, no debris, no organic material). Construction sites, landscaping companies, and fill-wanted postings in the Phoenixarea often accept clean dirt for free. Contaminated dirt (with oil, paint, chemicals, or mixed debris) cannot be given away and must go to a landfill at $50–$80/ton.
How much does dirt removal cost in Phoenix, Arizona?
A 10-yard dumpster for dirt in Phoenixtypically costs $350–$600 for a 7-day rental with a 10-ton weight limit. If your dirt qualifies as clean fill, you may find free disposal options that reduce the overall cost significantly. For contaminated or mixed dirt, expect landfill tipping fees of $50–$80/ton on top of the rental.